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Saturday, December 10, 2016

There is a tendency in todayís world to blame a personís actions on his or her background without looking for the effect of outside forces beyond an individualís control. This tendency is highlighted well in Monica Prasadís column, ďOnce again, itís the economy, stupide!Ē (Nov. 11).

As Prasad proves, the unrest in France has more to do with its economic state than the religious beliefs and ethnicities of the rioters. Unemployment and living in slums will anger any person.

Unfortunately the reaction of the French government is to ignore reality and deal with fantasy. Its decision to expel any foreigners found guilty of participating in the protests does nothing to alleviate the tension. It will only further alienate the immigrant community which has been the target of much racism and religious discrimination.

France needs to take this opportunity to start a campaign to integrate all of its citizens, not to further animosities between the haves and the have-nots.